Thailand Newspapers

The United States, China and Japan have expressed grave concern and urged de-escalation following renewed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, while France also joined the call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution.

More than 100,000 civilians have been evacuated from the northeastern provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin and Buri Ram following a sharp escalation in border clashes with Cambodia, the Ministry of Interior announced on Friday.

Thailand has officially submitted a letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), presenting evidence that Cambodia initiated the armed conflict in the latest exchanges of gunfire between the two countries.

His Majesty the King has graciously offered royal patronage to all those injured during the clashes in the Thailand-Cambodia border area. The royal support will also be extended to help restore the homes affected by the fighting.

Despite flight subsidies and incentive group stimulus, the number of Chinese tourist arrivals this year is expected to plunge below 5 million, significantly lower than the 6.7 million recorded last year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Thai investors are continuing to operate businesses in Cambodia despite the country's escalating territorial dispute with Thailand, which has dealt a blow to border trade, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Friday condemned Cambodia for committing serious war crimes by firing at Thai communities and hospitals and urged the international community to join in condemning these actions while martial law was expanded.

Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in their worst fighting in over a decade, exchanging heavy artillery fire across their disputed border, with at least 16 people killed and tens of thousands displaced.

Areas up to 40 kilometres inland from the border in five districts in Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces are considered risky as they fall into the firing ranges of rockets deployed by Cambodian forces, the Royal Thai Army said on Friday.

The Royal Thai Army has strongly condemned systematic attacks on Thai civilian targets by Cambodian forces, whilst dismissing claims that Thai troops have seized the disputed Preah Vihear temple as "fake news".